Changing Lives, Changing Communities Cairns
8 & 9 NOVEMBER 2018 Brothers Leagues Club
CAIRNS
About Changing Lives, Changing Communities DAY 1
Changing Lives, Changing Communities are 13, two-day events across Queensland, creating new ways for people – citizens, community organisations, private sector and government representatives – to come together, envision and ask “what will it take to create communities where everyone contributes, matters and belongs?” Changing Lives, Changing Communities is about bringing together all parts of the community to co-create solutions to ensure everyone is included in their community, and can access what they need; like a place to call home, good health, transport, education, and meaningful employment.
This document brings together the highlights of the two days in 2018 in Cairns.
Check - in: What inspired you to be here? Iw al
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The Cairns context Panel
Carl Fourmile Traditional Owner, Bama Country Carl talked about the importance of cultural connection for both nonIndigenous and Indigenous people in Cairns, particularly youth. He talked about the lack of cultural infrastructure in Cairns, especially considering the large population of Indigenous, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander peoples in North Queensland. However, Carl explained the huge opportunity for Cairns to be a leading force in this area. “We are not a big city but not small either. We could start in Cairns and set a precedence. We could be a world leader in the sharing of Indigenous culture.” The picture Carl painted started with a simple idea – building an earth oven. “All it is, is a little hole in the ground,” Carl smiled. However, Carl explained, something so simple as a 'hole in the ground' could not only bring the whole of community together, it could also help educate the community in Indigenous cultural ways of life. “Food is one way of we can come together. Food and education,” Carl said. “Cultural practice is not having someone else teaching them [youth] who they are. It comes from themselves first.”
Professor Hurriyet Babacan Professor – Economic and Policy Development Senior Research Fellow, Rural Economies Centre of Excellence, James Cook University Hurriyet talked about the importance of creating strong structural social capital for the diverse Cairns community. “Cairns has a diverse population - 29 per cent of the population are from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background and a further 10 per cent are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. When you can speak the languages of the world like us, you are a force to be reckoned with,” Hurriyet said. “We have strong social capital but we are not good with structural social capital. We need to develop a new narrative…development can’t take place by just looking at infrastructure.” “Cairns is a unique place with a lot of strengths, but we need new ways of collaborating – not competing. We do have multi-sectoral practices in Cairns, but it needs to be improved. We need to be intentional about inclusion.”
The Cairns context Panel
Anita Veivers Co-Chair of Cairns Alliance of Social Services and Chief Executive Director of Centacare – Far North Queensland Anita said creating a Cairns community where everyone can contribute, matter and belong is not just a community services challenge – it is a whole of community challenge. “I have a strong belief and passion for collaboration in community. I am involved with lots of networks and we connect together as a community,” she said. However, when creating a vision for the future, Anita said everyone needs to be at the table. “We need to bring everyone along on the journey. We need to work together for our voices to be heard and we need each person to be active in the community.” Although the Cairns community is taking steps to be more inclusive by ensuring buildings are accessible, AUSLAN interpreters are at events and local elders are invited, the community needs to go beyond that. “There is access for some people in the community, but we still have steps to go to include everyone.”
Debbie-Anne Bender Chief Executive Officer of Cairns Chamber of Commerce Debbie-Anne talked about the importance of connection between social and economic development – you can’t have one without the other. Debbie-Anne said she watched a TED talk recently about a study which followed men over 70 years. She took two key takeaways from the talk – inclusion in a community is part of society; and the importance of relationships and being treated equally. “Leaders in the community need to remember inclusion in society. They also need to treat everyone equally and with respect. Every person in this room needs to be treated equally.” She said don’t underestimate the importance of smiling at people. Debbie-Anne said there are many strengths of the Cairns community – “Health, education but also the people here – You’re here because you want to improve the system.”
Sensemaking After the panel session, participants were asked to reflect on the panel. What do the stories from the panel tell us so far? And what do we need to focus on? Here are some of your responses:
y– Reciprocit g and in g d le w ackno ryone. e v e g in valu has Everyone bring to o t g in h t some are all e w – le b the ta equal What can w e learn from y oung peopl e with their youth ful en ergy?
Make diversity beautiful
Focus on finding existing strengths in the community and building on those
Not havi ng the a nswe all rs is okay Advocate and activate
Collec tive advoc acy, p ower of net workin g, power of soc ial media , powe r of collab oratio ns
ic Econom nt - the e m p o l deve eds to e n e g a langu ot just N . e g n cha thriving t u b h t grow ities n u m m co
The im porta nce o going f to peo ple in their p laces to bui relatio ld nship s and trust
We need t o work across sec tors work toge ther, not in silos
Inclus ion – every one n eeds be inc to luded , no matte r their situat ion. W e hav a very dynam e ic, divers e city Cairns needs to regain mojo We are all busy, which creates brick walls. We need to knock the walls down
st e l p m e si h t ost n m e t e f O ke th a ple m m s a g x thin or e F . e g We n . y a r h o c s st ’ l ate r c a i l C p – rcom tions e v o a often ith regul sw thing
Stories of Inclusion Story tellers
We would like to say a huge thank you to our generous storytellers for sharing their stories of inclusion at the Changing Lives, Changing Communities event in Cairns. To stand in front of an audience of people you may not know and share your story is so courageous. The session is an integral part of the forum and we appreciate you taking your time out to take part and share your story. Thank you!
Wayne Reynolds Wayne works for Deaf Services Queensland. He is a keen golfer, a mentor, and is hearing impaired. He met his new partner two years ago and she can sign. She acts as his social interpreter. At Gordanvale Golf Club, where Wayne plays, more people now come and talk to him now his partner is there to sign. He is so much happier! He invited everyone to come and play golf with him. He even taught Luke from QCOSS a thing or two about his swing on the lunch break.
Recipe for inclusion While storytellers were sharing their experiences, we asked participants to listen to the ingredients for inclusion. This is what they heard.
Recipe: Inclusion is in the heart, not the head Respect Communication Being valued Feeling at home Celebrating differences Respect differences until you forget them Sense of belonging Relationships Ability to contribute
World Cafe What will it take to create a community where everyone contributes, matters and belongs?
World Cafe What are the elements already happening here?
World Cafe What are the elements already happening here? What action am I willing to take to progress the vision?
Appreciative inquiry Making social change requires courage. We asked participants to share when they had to be courageous to create change. We asked what was inspiring/important and what helped it to happen? These are their stories.
ortant? p m i / g irin as insp w t a h W ravery b d n a age -• Cour • Goals on minati • Deteor sitivity •P ure g a futo n i t a e r • C aving a g •H ? happen o t t i d elpe What h tability • Adapand family ds • Friensitive thinking ing • Po ating/socialis ip • Partic• Resiliencerticipate pa ate andwareness v i t o M • ea • Creat
What was inspiring/important? • Challenging sexism • Made a change which shifted the attitude towards women within a chauvinistic environment What helped it to happen? What helped it to recognising happen? • Passionate women need for change • Knowing own worth and value • Standing against a system • Being prepared to lose out at a personal level in order to make change for the greater good • Being prepared to act and not just identify the issues
What w as insp • Motiv• Equality isiring/importa ated to nt im help p portant ? • Takin themselv eople expre e ss • Not tg initiative fos aking on negr change atives What he
lped it
to hap pen? • Pers • Dreaonal motiva m for equaltiion ty
/important? What was inspiring ent rtunity to be an ag • Finding an oppoch of ange e direction and • Subtly shaping thorganisation priorities of the to influence • Strategising howsion • Clear vi achieve goals • Determination tomind • Open happen? What helped it to • Momentum bility al flexi • Organisationss ion/drive • Personal paof fa mily • Support ght • Timing was riis ion • Shared goal/v
Professor Harriyet Babacan
"Identity is important but it changes. You construct an identity – you have a narrative and story‌An inclusive identity needs to be at the beginning of the story"
Kiran Biswa
a s i y y t t i i s v i r s e u v i l d c " . in ct" t a c fa is an e c n e r e f f i "respect d t e g r o f u o y until s ' t a h t e differenc inclusion" "incl come usion s  f hear rom t t, no he t head the "
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 1
Host idea
Introduce the understanding of diversity in children
What do we know works... • being honest • having awareness • role modelling • sharing lived experiences • adapting to technology
Who do we need to partner with... • people with lived experiences and the organisation they support / work with • community members • funding partners (if needed) • schools and departments • politicians and directors-general
What could this idea become...
Vision
Us teaching children about differences and children teaching us about acceptance, compassion and tolerance.
What are the risks and challenges..
• creating assumptions that all people with similar conditions or illnesses are the same • people may be too scared or feeling too shamed to speak out • being called ‘snowflakes’ • feeling stigmatised
Project 1
What do we need to learn by doing?...
Just make a start!!
How do we make sure everyone is included?... • start the dialogue • don’t be afraid to have hard conversations • listen • break down language and technical barriers • just normalise being human
What are our next wise steps... • find community partners • model a trial from ‘in search of safety’ • create individualised programs with school inputs – making it relevant to the kids
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 2
Host idea
Healthy connected community
What do we know works... • getting to know your neighbours • connecting people • bringing food, music, art, dance to communities • connecting people through schools • investing in the community • making ‘time’
Who do we need to partner with... • talk to other community organisations and see what people can contribute (resources) • council • non-government organisations • churches • build a shared vision and mission statement
What could this idea become...
Vision
• learn about one another’s differences • building initiative within our community • connecting and building relationships • creating safe places • event – get to know your neighbour
What are the risks and challenges.. • fear, racism • prejudice • busy lives • not doing it
Project 2
What do we need to learn by doing?... • sharing and promoting community inclusion • connecting neighbourhoods • collective input and action • invest in our community • involving the community • building resilience in our community
How do we make sure everyone is included?... • creating neighbourhood centres and community centres that are flexible and adaptable to the community • less structure • community mapping activity • connecting to elders and community • better use of the public space areas freely
What are our next wise steps...
• use existing resources and community groups to identify needs and goals • talk with people (skills audit) • community mapping activity • finding others who share the vision • energy and passion
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 3
Host idea What do we know works...
Provide easy language information to raise awareness of and simplify the NDIS process
• use of simple easy to understand language and infographics to explain difficult concepts in appropriate language and style • people who have been through the process sharing their stories positive and not so … • one-on-one in-person • clear communication
What could this idea become...
Vision
• up front and throughout process • provide targeted simplified information on how to access and operate under the NDIS
What are the risks and challenges..
• legislation which is restrictive, for example, family as carer or support worker • won’t happen overnight • individual/ families/ carers carry risk of not getting required supports • rural/ remote/ indigenous communities in terms of lack of resources including service provided • area to cover and diversity and number of different demographics • language
Project 3
Who do we need to partner with... NDIA / Mission Australia need to partner with: service providers participants, family, carers other stakeholders – mainstream government departments (health, communities, child safety, justice, DATSIP), informal, advocacy bodies, community, anyone who can help PHNs, GPs, specialists, allied health
What do we need to learn by doing?... understand and be able to explain quickly in simple terms what the NDIS is about • undertake ongoing awareness activities individual / organisational in simple language terms to increase knowledge and understanding of the NDIS • provide information on responsibilities
How do we make sure everyone is included?...
What are our next wise steps...
• consult / engage widely in ways that various cohorts / demographics can understand
• continue to connect with peak bodies – QDN, NDIA, MA • provide feedback at local level to keep stakeholders so we can make it work better • continue to spread the message about NDIS • identify people and organisations who can help build awareness • expand and increase and stay current with changes as they occur
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 4
Host idea
– Community where everyone’s voice is heard and respected
What do we know works...
• library • story telling • does challenging ideas work? • cultural days • public awareness campaigns • peer support • humour • welcome dinner
Who do we need to partner with... • local support groups • drug and alcohol groups • safety groups • media • not-for-profit groups • charities • youth • department of education
What could this idea become...
Vision
• education • lived experience • story telling • challenging comments and ideas in a safe way • increased social activities
What are the risks and challenges.. • abuse • resistance • burn out • funding
Project 4
What do we need to learn by doing?...
• take a risk in challenging people’s bias • how do people want to be heard? • how to listen • learn how to interpret behaviour • shift thinking to be more inclusive and open minded • being mindful or your own expression and behaviour, how you look to others • body language
How do we make sure everyone is included?... • being open • be welcoming • inclusive • understanding • attentive • appreciative
What are our next wise steps... • research what is already happening • attend community events
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 5
Host idea
Getting people involved in political change through community
What could this idea become... • environmental projects
What are our next wise steps... • online petitions • sign letters – QR code or links
Vision
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 6
Host idea
Opportunities for connecting people from different cultural groups across Cairns
What could this idea become...
What do we know works... • multicultural festivals, for example, CARMA, Pasifika • welcome dinners • street soccer • connecting through sport and music
Vision
• bi-annual welcomes by Council • action in the university (education and awareness) • invitations to university students formally through learn education centre • sharing music and food and story telling
What are our next wise steps... • Keep advocating and connecting with council, university, Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities and other community organisations and stakeholders
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 7
the shortage of Host Address and affordable ideas social housing in Cairns
What do we know works... Lobbying politicians prior to elections: o 2019 federal election o 2020 council election o 2020 state election
Who do we need to partner with... • our clients • movers and shakers • all levels of government • community sector • whole of community
What could this idea become...
Vision
action areas: - existing system / government policies and rules = broken - no building development in Cairns - 10 per cent of all developments – social and affordable - movable homes, tiny homes - private rental market – impact of Air BnB, CRA - challenging minds and hearts – work with partners not just those who are committed and knowledgeable
What are the risks and challenges.. • risk to the story teller – how far do you go to expose people to the issues • burn out - cynical
Project 7
What do we need to learn by doing?... • involve homeless people, tenants to expand people’s reality • tell stories, awareness raising, • go beyond the community sector, beyond the comfort zone • encourage all our connections, stakeholders, community members to spread the word
How do we make sure everyone is included?... • involve homeless people, tenants to expand people’s reality • tell stories, awareness raising, • go beyond the community sector, beyond the comfort zone • encourage all our connections, stakeholders, community members to spread the word
What are our next wise steps... • think tank – existing broken system • awareness raising with networks and marketing plan
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 8
Host idea
arts hub / artists as a community resource
What do we know works... • spirit and culture • soul song choir • oldies art club activation • art transcends race, creed and colour • art transcends generations • art speaks for the world • creativity is self-actualisation • creativity is healthy • beautifies the city • challenges • music therapy • cross pollination • a simple purpose
Who do we need to partner with... • Cairns as the leading ‘Arts City’ in the north • dedicated to community • social people • affordable or free • non-commercial place and yet it needs $$$$ • partnerships with mental health, aged care, therapeutic, community housing, health, energy – anyone • business council • social services • multicultural services in Brisbane • CPAC, schools, RADF, RAF • People with business mind • IJC hub space
What could this idea become...
Vision
• living art gallery, concert rehearsal space, dance, outdoor, wharf terminal • Bauhaus artisans • creative hub centre for community partnerships • a place where all people can come together to be creative • links between mental health and music • a way for people to connect with themselves and discuss context, examine experiences and processes • a combined voice with a simple purpose • breaking down barriers • nurturing artisans • active art in real time with real people • hermitage village – meaning • music rehearsal space • revival of respect for culture
What risks are and the risks andchallenges? challenges.. • volunteers • sausage sizzles • static art galleries – boring and detached • lack of respectable funding • overloaded with rules and regulations, for example, NFP guidelines, associations, blue cards = red tape and $$, health and safety, membership fees, financially draining legislation • insurance • administration and development • big space or village property • grant writers $$
Project 8
What do we need to learn by doing?... • art and artists for change • community making art for change • hub as a central place connecting artists with employment opportunities • talking with IJC hub (Indigenous jobs connections) • learn about each other • identify multicultural
How do we make sure everyone is included?... • cultural focus • diversity focus • health, rehab, and wellbeing activity • free space for community groups • workshops = movement towards social enterprise • upskilling • intercommunity dialogue and sharing and teaching • spaced for cultural activities • wellbeing • Maslow’s theory • culture o talking to arts bodies, cultural groups, social services, businesses, tourism
What are our next wise steps...
• exploring funding options • social enterprise for turning skills into work • IJC conversation, centre for contemporary arts, kick arts • community groups and services • chamber of commerce, enterprise business, Bunnings, Masters unused space • summary – if it’s for everyone then everyone should be involved in making it happen
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 9
Host idea
a Kup Murri in Munro Martin Parklands
What do we know works... • planting the seed in a way that makes those in power think it’s their idea • lobbying from the most influential stakeholders • success breeds success – aim for some small success first and build up from there • acknowledge council control of regulation
Who do we need to partner with... • Council • Tourism FNQ • TOs • JUTE • The whole community • cultural services (CRC) • CARMA • Pacific Island Communities Council • policy liaison officers • DATSIP • youth justice • Anglicare • Centacare • Foodies • Synapse (on Hoare Street) • Hotels in Cairns city
What could this idea become...
Vision
• bigger than better • a way to progress the 20 year old idea of establishing a multicultural hub • the start of establishing Kup Murris in suburban areas outside the CBD
What risks are and the risks andchallenges? challenges.. • to make the idea be part of the community ‘glue’ and not a community divider • dispute / conflict re those who are the TOs of the place • environmental health regulation and compliance
Project 9
What do we need to learn by doing?... • Need to learn how to navigate disputes and resolve conflict and other challenges during the journey • Need to learn cross-cultural skills – respect, listening and responsibility
How do we make sure everyone is included?... • Need to make more Kup Murris in north, south, east, and west areas
What are our next wise steps... • planting the seed at First People’s Advisory Committee (Karina) • planting the seed at CASS (Ruth) • planting the seed with community forums (Karina) • planting the seed with business community / chamber of commerce • call interested parties to a working group
Open Space Ideas to actions..... Project 10
Host idea
Larger organisations resource sharing with community groups
What do we know works... • Volunteer program • Business have volunteer programs • Disability Action Week • Mt. Sheridan Plaza – supporting junior sport sign
Who do we need to partner with... • CASS • Specialist interest groups • Cairns Regional Council (My Cairns)
What could this idea become...
Vision
• Equipment no longer using donated to community organisations • Networking and meetings effective regarding point above • Larger organisations to collaborate • Staff sharing – sharing skills - a expertise • Council – interagency group • Take the first step – make a meeting with organisation or community group • Connect event – speed dating • Community resource van – available for use • Business sponsorship not well known • How to convince the decision makers that it is valuable • Build relationships – more diverse across disciplines • Council (secure organisation web portal) • Funding – partnerships (small NGO’s)
What are the risks and challenges.. What risks and challenges? • Confidentiality • Organisations to get over bias • Insurance
Project 9
What do we need to learn by doing?... • What a vision of the organisations – bring together in the bigger picture • Detailed mapping
How do we make sure everyone is included?... • Engagement and advertising – all available
What are our next wise steps... • Talk to Cairns Regional Council re app to share resources and equipment • Reduce and reuse • Secure website for organisations or closed Facebook • Hold a speed dating event • Promote Brekkynet to continue conversation • Target heads of large organisations to sell the idea and government departments
Four pictures, two days
Four pictures, two days
Four pictures, two days
Four pictures, two days
Thanks to everyone who came along to Changing Lives, Changing Communities Cairns. We know you have made a difference!
What Have I learned that will stay in my heart and mind? • #Cairnscares • many heroes • with, not for • change is possible • humanity lives • we are one but we are many
Changing Lives, Changing Communities Cairns a partnership between: